Coastal Bend garden calendar: 04.21.12

CORPUS CHRISTI - Water trees by taking the sprinkler off the end of the hose and letting water run slowly for several hours out under the drip line (not near the trunk). Be sure that runoff does not occur.

— Cheryl Lewis

EARTH DAY: Earth Day Bay Day is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Heritage Park. Free. Information: 882-3439.

MOTHER'S DAY AT THE GARDENS: South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St., celebrates Mother's Day weekend May 6-8 with free admission all weekend for moms. At the Visitors Center check-in, all a mother needs to say is "Moms Love Flowers!" and she gets in free. Information: 852-2100.

If you want to speak with a master gardener, contact the help desk at the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Nueces County, by calling 767-5250, or post questions and/or comments at mpotterhort.blogspot.com/

ASK THE GARDEN PRO

Q: I purchased some geraniums that were lush and beautiful with lots of blooms. Now they have stopped blooming and look like they are losing leaves. What can I do to save them?

A: The first thing I would recommend is to check the pot. If the pot is small and dries out quickly, replant in a larger container with good drainage holes using a lightweight potting mix. That will allow the plant to grow new roots and have more water available for growth and flowering.

Fertilize regularly. You need to either apply a liquid fertilizer weekly to flowering plants like geraniums, or invest in a slow-release fertilizer granule like Osmocote that supplies a small boost of fertilizer each time you water. That will keep the plant nutritionally healthy to keep blooming.

Finally, make sure you remove the old blossoms as they start to fall, a process commonly called "deadheading." That will help the plant direct nutrients and carbohydrates to the new flower buds.